Volunteer Travel in Africa

Overview

by ReponsibleTravel Are you are looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world's most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world.

Over 50 countries reside throughout Africa, and though it's the world's second largest continent, it remains the most underdeveloped. While violence and political turmoil still plague areas of the continent, others are making a lot of progress, and some just need a little help to get there.

In Kenya, help is desperately needed to construct simple sand dams and work on tree planting schemes to protect the natural environment and give a source of water to this dry and barren region. Other countries like South Africa, Tanzania, and the Seychelles are all pushing hard for wildlife conservation.

Whether you go to help the people, the animals, or the land itself, volunteering in Africa is an amazing way to explore it's many countries, and accomplish something truly important at the same time.

When To Go

Whenever. The land mass is huge and varies in terrain and climate accordingly.

South Africa can be visited comfortably any time. Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. This is also the best time for wildlife-watching. Spring is the best time to see vast expanses of Northern Cape carpeted with wildflowers.

In Kenya, the main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. It's also when Kenya's birdlife flocks to the Rift Valley lakes in great numbers. June to September could be called the 'shoulder season' as the weather is still dry. The rains hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December). During these months things are much quieter - places tend to have rooms available and prices drop. The rains generally don't affect travellers' ability to get around.

For Travel Packages

We've researched travel packages by the subsequent companies, all offering eco-friendly vacations all over Africa. What makes these eco-friendly vacations? Read our guide on ecotourism to find out.

• ResponsibleTravel
• Volunteer Adventures
• Different Travel

Helpful Resources:

Get the Lonely Planet Guide :: Africa. Nothing comes close to Africa in scale, variety, and pure, raw impact. This 30th anniversary edition of the Africa guide covers classic routes and roads less travelled, and has sustainable travel and volunteering opportunities galore.

• Lonely Planet Guide :: Africa
• Africa Travel Blogs
• Africa Interactive Map